COLD WATER SWIMMING BENEFITS
Studies have shown solid evidence that cold-water swimmers often
experience significant improvements in overall cardiovascular health.
Cold-water swimming boosts the body’s stores of so-called
“brown adipose tissue” (BAT),
a type of “good” body fat activated by low temperatures.
BAT burns calories to maintain body heat, which can lead to weight loss.
Exposure to cold water or air boosts BAT’s production of adiponectin, a protein that helps protect against insulin resistance, diabetes and other diseases.
Cold-water immersion triggers a “shock response” that stresses the cardiovascular system and elevates the heart rate!
A chief goal of high-intensity heart-healthy exercise.
Winter-weather swimmers typically describe feeling “joyful” in the water, suggesting the practice has “a positive effect on mental health and brain development.”
Cold-water immersions greatly increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin concentrations. This is true for both inexperienced and experienced swimmers.